Share ETA is one of the best features of iOS 13 – if you and your friends are Apple Maps users. Once you’ve updated to iOS 14.5, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, you can send ETAs to friends even while biking or hiking. Take this cars.
The beauty of Share ETA is that you can send automatic notifications to iOS or Android users who may need to know your arrival time, including any unexpected delays that could affect your trip. And if your friends are iOS users, they can also see where you are on a live map if they’re really curious about what’s taking that long.
If you’ve never used the Share ETA feature, it’s easy to do. pulling up Apple Maps and enter a location that you control just like you normally would. Choose your transportation method (as always, driving is the default, but tap the walking or cycling icon if necessary).
Once your directions are displayed and you are ready to begin your journey, tap the destination (or the up arrow) at the bottom of your screen – the “Route Map” – and tap the large one “Share ETA” Symbol.
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When you do, you’ll see a list of your recent contacts (for easier sharing) as well as an icon that you can tap to access everyone on your contacts list.
Whoever you share your location will get an instant notification (or a text message if they’re on Android) that you’re on the go. iOS users are given a small link to Apple Maps that they can use to view their progress. Android users will receive text messages if their ETA changes significantly due to unexpected delays.
However, I believe your contact will not receive a notification that you have arrived at your destination. So don’t expect them to come out once you get there. You still need to listen to them separately to let them know you are arriving.
You can also share your ETA with several people at the same time. And if you make a mistake or no longer need to give anyone status updates on your whereabouts, just tap the sharing link at the bottom of your on-screen instructions and tap the person to turn off sharing.
You can also share your ETA with a specific goal at any time
If you want to get even fancier, you can set up automatic ETA notifications when you travel to a specific location. This location must already be in your Favorites in Apple Maps (including your standard addresses for private or business customers). This is a useful trick if, for example, you want your spouse to always know your arrival time when you are driving home from something (or when you have a child and need to know them for extra security).
To set it up, go to Apple Maps and tap “See everything” right of the Favorites Header. Tap on “I” Icon to the right of one of the listed locations. You now see a “Share ETA ” Field. Tap on Add person to do just that. Now if you need directions to this location, this person will be called automatically with your ETA.
